The restaurant: Ristorante a Mano
Where: 1477 Lower Water St.
Type of food: Northern Italian
Why: Owned by Maurizio and Stephanie Bertossi, who run some of the best restaurants in town, this most embodies the feel of an Italian trattoria, says Liz Feltham, former food critic for the Coast.

The restaurant: Cut Steakhouse
Where: 5120 Salter St.
Type of food: Steakhouse (obviously)
Why: "This is the best place to go right now for dress-up dining in Halifax," says Feltham. She points to the polished service and the extra added touch of a little loaf of banana bread to take home that take it over the top.

The restaurant: Agricola Street Brasserie
Where: 2540 Agricola St.
Type of food: French bistro plates
Why: In the north end of the city, where many young professionals are congregating, Feltham says this spot has traditional plates (like burgers and frites, quiche and sausage) at decent prices.

The restaurant: Morris East
Where: 5212 Morris St.
Type of food: Pizza (and pasta)
Why: Complete with a wood-fired oven from Italy, this spot offers up both classics and inventive pizzas. Feltham loves it for its consistency, value, atmosphere and service.

The restaurant: Edna Restaurant
Where: 2053 Gottingen St.
Type of food: Eclectic
Why: Also in the city's north end, this spot's name stands for "eat drink nourish always," and is owned by Jenna Mooers, daughter of Halifax staple Jane Wright, who ran beloved Jane's on the Common until 2012 (she's now transformed it into a catering business). Dishes like beef tartare, braised lamb leg and bouillabaisse are just part of the extensive menu.

The restaurant: The Wooden Monkey
Where: 1707 Grafton St.; 40 Alderney Dr. (Dartmouth)
Type of food: Fresh, local, with many vegan and vegetarian options
Why: "This is less a restaurant and more a lifestyle," says Feltham. "They have a whole appreciation of environment and green living." Menu options include everything from Digby scallops wrapped in Meadowbrook bacon to nachos to an extensive list of salads.

The restaurant: Chives
Where: 1537 Barrington St.
Type of food: Homegrown dishes with sophisticated edge
Why: This was one of the restaurants at the forefront of the local food scene, notes Feltham. Dishes like jumbo Cape Breton snow crab ravioli with pork belly, pâté of Quebec foie gras and coldwater shrimp-crusted Atlantic salmon all showcase stunning, nearby ingredients.

The restaurant: Stories Casual Fine Dining
Where: 5184 Morris St.
Type of food: Wild game and seafood
Why: Though the restaurant is located in the Haliburton Halifax Hotel, "it's come up with an identity of its own," notes Feltham. Dishes include ingredients like duck magret, striped bass and bison tenderloin, demonstrating its dedication to local farmers, foragers and fishermen.

The restaurant: Gio
Where: 1725 Market St.
Type of food: Fine dining
Why: A true hotel restaurant at the Prince George Hotel, Feltham notes Gio has had a few very inventive chefs in a row, and hasn't faltered in producing amazing menus year after year. It's also a bit of a power place — "where you find the city's movers and shakers at lunch," she notes with a laugh.

The restaurant: ChaBaa Thai
Where: 1511 Bedford Hwy. (Bedford); 1546 Queen St. (downtown); 100 Ilsley Ave. (Dartmouth)
Type of food: Thai
Why: "We have a number of Thai restaurants, but when I taste the food here, it doesn't feel like it has been dumbed down for the North American palate," says Feltham. "There's full-on flavour."

The restaurant: Grand Taj
Where: 5175 South St.
Type of food: Indian
Why: "I've worked under an Indian chef in town, and have been exposed to a lot of Indian food," says Feltham. "This is the place Indians go." Like ChaBaa Thai, she notes the authenticity of the flavours that haven't been compromised at all.

The restaurant: MicMac Tavern
Where: 217 Waverley Rd. (Dartmouth)
Type of food: Comfort food
Why: "This is the kind of place when you go in there, women serve the food and men bring the beer and that is never going to change," says Feltham with a laugh. "For ribs and steak, it's cheap and you cannot beat it. Day or night, it's packed and it really lives up to its reputation."

The restaurant: Fredie's Fantastic Fishhouse
Where: Behind Jungle Jims, 8 Oland Cr.
Type of food: Fish and chips
Why: "There are tons of fish and chips spots all over Halifax, and I've tried most of them," says Feltham. "This is my favourite, and it has been for a while. The reason i like it so much is because the owner, Tammy, is a person who is incredibly customer service-oriented,. dedicated to keeping things fresh, consistent and cheap."